Paper size guide
A0 paper size
A0 measures 841 × 1189 mm, which is 33.11 × 46.81 inches (84.1 × 118.9 cm). A0 is the largest size in the ISO A series: exactly one square metre of paper.
A0 dimensions
| Millimetres | 841 × 1189 mm |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 84.1 × 118.9 cm |
| Inches | 33.11 × 46.81 in |
| Points | 2384 × 3370 pt |
| Pixels at 72 dpi | 2384 × 3370 px |
| Pixels at 150 dpi | 4967 × 7022 px |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 9933 × 14043 px |
| Proportion | 1 : 1.414 |
Drawing on A0
At this scale a drawing becomes a physical presence. Few pencil artists work this large because of the time, the cost of paper and the difficulty of framing, but it suits ambitious portraits and statement pieces.
Typical uses: large statement drawings, technical and architectural sheets, posters.
Usable drawing area with a margin
Most artists leave a margin so the drawing can be mounted and the edges stay clean.
| Margin | Drawing area (mm) | Drawing area (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mm all round | 821 × 1169 | 32.32 × 46.02 |
| 20 mm all round | 801 × 1149 | 31.54 × 45.24 |
| 30 mm all round | 781 × 1129 | 30.75 × 44.45 |
To copy a reference photo accurately onto A0, try the grid drawing tool, which scales a grid to your paper size. Choosing paper? See the best paper for coloured pencils and paper weight explained.
Framing A0
Frames sized exactly to A0 are not universal, so most artists mount the drawing and choose a larger standard frame. With a mount overlapping by roughly 6 mm each side, the visible image (aperture) is about 829 × 1177 mm.
Try your own numbers in the frame and mount calculator, or read how to frame and mount a drawing.
Frequently asked questions
What size is A0 in inches?+
A0 is 33.11 × 46.81 inches (841 × 1189 mm, or 84.1 × 118.9 cm).
What is A0 in pixels?+
At 72 dpi A0 is 2384 × 3370 pixels, at 150 dpi it is 4967 × 7022, and at 300 dpi it is 9933 × 14043. Use 300 dpi to scan or print artwork at full quality.
How much of the sheet can I draw on at A0?+
With a 20 mm margin around the edge, the drawing area on A0 is 801 × 1149 mm. Leave more if you plan to mount the drawing, because a mount overlaps the paper by around 6 mm on each side.